01 Oct Bandon , County Cork
This market town , which straddles the River Bandon , is a popular angling centre. It was established by the Earl of Cork , Richard Boyle , in 1608.
Boyle , who arrived from England with only £20 , a diamond ring , a gold bracelet and his clothes , acquired huge tracts of land in Munster. In Bandon he ousted the local Catholic clans from the surrounding lands and built a town wall to keep them out.
Bandon is a real hidden gem which makes it a must see on your tours of Ireland.